Foul weather expected for Saturday night into Sunday morning throughout most of Nova Scotia has lead to a delay of lobster season in Atlantic Canada’s most lucrative area.
Representatives for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in Southwest Nova told Global News they, along with Environment Canada and industry representatives made the call to delay the start of the season off southwest Nova Scotia in lobster fishing areas 33 and 34 until Tuesday.
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David Whorley, area director in Southwest Nova said their safety protocol dictates that any wind above 26 knots results in an automatic no-go for the start of the season. They held a conference call on Sunday morning and decided to push the start of the season ahead by one day.
Boats in were originally scheduled to depart at 6 a.m. Monday in area 34 and at 7 a.m. Monday in area 33.
According to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, commercial lobster fishing in area 34 had the highest landings and the most participants of any area in Canada as of 2015.
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The province is reminding fishermen to keep safety at top of mind ahead of Dumping Day.
“We know fishing is dangerous work,” said Kelly Regan, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education.
“Here in Nova Scotia, fishermen have been working to improve safety in their industry over the last few years. I urge them to keep safety top of mind on Dumping Day and all through the season.”